Style Sheeple: Why You Donít Have to Blindly Follow Fashion Trends

How many times have you looked through old family photos and cringed at the bell-bottoms, plaid Brady Bunch pants, and orange turtlenecks? What about those polo shirts with the collar flipped up, dozens of Madonna bracelets, mullets and acid-washed jeans? Wish that could all go away? It can. You donít have to blindly follow fashion trends to look current. Itís possible to be timeless and still look good.

The key is to buy whatís classic. Buy items that you like and things that look good on you. Think simple: basic items in classic colors that fit well. Consider the most basic items and build from the ground up.

Start with shoes: anything thatís really unusual, anything with a very trendy color or heel or shape could be out of style in a few months or a year, so those might be something to avoid. Still, that doesnít mean you have to stick to black. Choose a color you like that will look good on you and look good with all kinds of pants and skirts. Select a style that seems likely to withstand a year or two of trend changes, and youíll have something that works well in your wardrobe.

Moving up to pants: for jeans, go for classic. While you probably want to avoid anything that could be described as ďMom jeans,Ē you can also avoid anything super-trendy Ė especially if the look is not for you. Some people look good in skinny jeans, some people donít. Some people need a curvy style; some people need boot cut, or a slightly wider leg.

The key with jeans often lies in the rinse. Sometimes dark jeans are more in, sometimes faded jeans are in. Shopping in a store that has a reputation for a classic look can help avoid a trend in denim material that will be over before the bill comes around.

For pants: again, consider what you like and what looks good on you. Aim for a basic, simple cut and few accessories (you may want to avoid cargo pants, anything with excessive stitching, adornments, or unusual cut.)

For t-shirts and blouses, consider classic colors that look good on you. What is the length of the t-shirt? Trends change from very long to very short. Afraid of looking dowdy by skipping a trend? If the store or the shirt feels dowdy to you, skip it and move on. Also, keep in mind that mixing one trendy piece with classic pants and shoes and accessories can make your outfit feel both modern and classic at the same time.

Regarding accessories: these can really add a lot of pizzazz to your outfit. A classic gold or silver choker could fit any outfit on any occasion, but that little heart necklace youíve had since you were twelve? It might be dated. One suggestion is to try wearing a piece in a different way. For example, if your mom wore that pin on her power-blazer lapel back in the day, maybe you can wear it to close up that cute cardigan. Everything old is new again.

Mixing and matching old and new, classic and trendy can go a long way to making you look timeless. As you begin to do this, youíll develop your own look and your own style. Pretty soon you could be the trendsetter, and other people will be trying to copy your clothes.